As spring begins to bloom, better weather should soon be on its way, along with numerous outdoor activities to enjoy. While it's still raining in my neighborhood, in North Portland, Oregon, temperatures have been slowly rising and I've already spent a considerable amount of time outside.

For me, the spring and the summer tend to be the best times of the year, and it has a lot to do with how it affects my mental health — in particular, my anxiety. One of the things I've been focusing on over the past few months is learning how to handle anxiety more naturally, and with spring and summer just around the corner, there are so many more opportunities to indulge in some TLC.

1. Embrace the sunshine.

Ever notice how the grey skies and rainy winter nights bring your mood to an all-time low? Sunshine can help boost your serotonin levels, improving your mood and increasing calmness. So grab your sunscreen and a picnic blanket, and take in all the Vitamin D and bright shiny rays you can — your day is going to get a lot brighter.

2. Take a hike or an evening stroll.

With warmer weather comes longer days. Daylight Savings began just a few weeks ago, so evening light lasts a little longer than it did in the dark winter. Exercise tends to have positive short-term and long-term effects, especially for people who struggle with mental health: "There's good epidemiological data to suggest that active people are less depressed than inactive people. And people who were active and stopped tend to be more depressed than those who maintain or initiate an exercise program." Exercise not only provides a mood-boost, but can alleviate stress, anxiety, and even depression, especially when in combination with other therapies. Nevertheless, taking advantage of the warmer evenings and beautiful hikes can sure shift your perspective and help decrease you anxiety, even for a moment.

3. Listen to music.

An oldie, but a goodie — you've heard it before and you'll hear it again: music can really make a difference when it comes to your mood. Every month or so, I take an hour of my day to compile playlists that make me smile, or collect songs that make me feel calm and at ease. I keep these playlists on my phone and keep an extra set of headphones in my purse so that I can whip out these tunes at any given moment, especially during times of stress. Music seems to be the most efficient and effective way to decrease anxious feelings and increase positive energy.

4. Aroma therapy

Find a scent that keeps you grounded and calm — for many people, lavender, peppermint, or jasmine tend to be some of the most effective scents when it comes to decreasing anxiety. I like to light a lavender candle at the end of my day to keep me relaxed.

5. Viparita Karani

Viparita Karani, also known as "legs up the wall" pose is a yoga position that is well known for its calming effects. It helps slow down your heart rate, allowing you to feel more relaxed. Many people use this pose for menstrual cramps, back pains, high or low blood pressure, and more. Along with its calming effects, this pose gives you a chance to focus on your breathing. You can learn more about the benefits of this pose here.

Finally, remember you are strong and beautiful human being who deserves love and care — especially self-love and self-care. Make time for yourself and give yourself time. Life is full of trials and tribulations, but at the end of the day, things tend to work out and the world continues to spin.